Financial Worries Rank as Top Causes of Stress in the US, Globally-GfK Study

US women more likely than men to report stress from money, self-pressure

In the US and around the world, financial problems easily claimed the top spot among the causes of stress for people; with self-pressure closely trailing in second place. The results are part of a new global GfK survey investigating major causes of stress, using responses from over 27,000 consumers in 22 countries.

Globally, the causes of stress nearly mirror those in the US. Money (29%), self-pressure (27%) and the lack of sleep (23%) make up the US top three. Lack of free time (22%) and ​work stress (19%) came in fourth and fifth places, respectively.

US results track closely with globalIn the US, the major causes of stress nearly match those globally. Money, which was first globally, was also cited by 35% of US respondents. In second place in the US is self-pressure, at 32%, followed by lack of sleep (22%) and health and workload coming in at 20% each.

Men, women share stressorsUS men and women cite identical causes of stress. Money, self-pressure and lack of sleep made their way to the top three for both sexes, mirroring the US and global results. Financial worries easily claimed first place, with 28% of men and 42% of women sharing the concern. Second, self-pressure claimed 25% of men and 38% of women. Third, lack of sleep ranked at 20% of men and 23% of women. Workload and health serve as the only slight point of difference between the sexes in the US. In men, workload took fourth at 20% and health was fifth at 19%. Women, on the other hand, evenly split health and workload, polling at 21% each.

Money worries show with ageAs US consumers age, their top stressors undergo a dramatic shift. Teenagers (ages 15 to 19) identify self-pressure as their biggest cause of stress, with 49% of the vote. However, as soon as we reach the next group (20 to 29 years old), money jumps from fifth to first place, cited by 40% of respondents, and it holds the top spot for all subsequent age groups. Self-pressure, which was first with the 15-to-19 group, slips into second place (37%) among those in their twenties and holds that position until we reach the 60+ group, where health takes second at 24%.

About the studyGfK conducted an online survey with over 27,000 consumers aged 15 or older in 22 countries. Fieldwork was carried out over the summer 2015 and the data have been weighted to reflect the demographic composition of the online population age 15+ in each market. The countries included are Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, UK and USA.

About GfKGfK is the trusted source of relevant market and consumer information that enables its clients to make smarter decisions. More than 13,000 market research experts combine their passion with GfK’s long-standing data science experience. This allows GfK to deliver vital global insights matched with local market intelligence from more than 100 countries. By using innovative technologies and data sciences, GfK turns big data into smart data, enabling its clients to improve their competitive edge and enrich consumers’ experiences and choices.For more information, please visit http://www.gfk.com/us or follow GfK on Twitter.

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